Glasgow is a historic city known for its rich culture, its beautiful Victorian and art nouveau architecture, and its large student population. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation. This will help you plan the best trip to Glasgow and stay within your ideal travel budget, whether you're exploring the museums or enjoying the nightlife.
How much does it cost to travel to Glasgow?
You should plan to spend around $216 (£177) per day on your vacation in Glasgow. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $95 (£78) on meals
- $34 (£27) on local transportation
- $181 (£148) on hotels
A one week trip to Glasgow for two people costs, on average, $3,025 (£2,478). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
-
One Week
Per person
$1,513
£1,239
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$3,025
£2,478
-
One Month
Per person
$6,482
£5,310
-
One Week
For a couple
$3,025
£2,478
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$6,050
£4,956
-
One Month
For a couple
$12,964
£10,620
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Glasgow cost?
A one week trip to Glasgow usually costs around $1,513 (£1,239) for one person and $3,025 (£2,478) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Glasgow on average costs around $3,025 (£2,478) for one person and $6,050 (£4,956) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Glasgow will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Glasgow on average costs around $6,482 (£5,310) for one person and $12,964 (£10,620) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Glasgow expensive to visit?
Glasgow is a small yet inviting city that captivates travelers with a mix of travel preferences, spending habits, and budgetary ranges. Visitors can find a range of options for accommodation from high-end luxury hotels to mid-range places to budget-friendly hostels.
Glasgow can definitely get expensive if you let it, but you have options to reduce costs, including eating at less expensive restaurants and taking public transit.
On average, budget travelers spend $97 (£78) per day, mid-range travelers spend $223 (£177) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $479 (£381) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Glasgow.
Within Europe, which is known to be an expensive region, Glasgow is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Puerto del Carmen or Windsor.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Glasgow Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Glasgow?
The average Glasgow trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Glasgow travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Glasgow cost?
Glasgow on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$37
(£31)
|
$90
(£74)
|
$203
(£166)
|
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$13
(£11)
|
$34
(£27)
|
$82
(£68)
|
|
Food 2
|
$40
(£33)
|
$95
(£78)
|
$198
(£162)
|
|
Entertainment 1
|
$11
(£9.20)
|
$27
(£22)
|
$63
(£52)
|
|
Alcohol 2
|
$4-11
(£3-9)
|
$9-27
(£7-22)
|
$21-63
(£17-52)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
When planning your trip to Glasgow, it's important to be realistic about your travel budget. While some people assume they can travel very cheaply, most people aren't comfortable on an extreme shoestring budget. Consider what you enjoy most on vacation and how you like to travel. Do you perfer to stay in resorts, hotels, or hostels? Do you enjoy sightseeing and dining out? These factors will affect your overall budget and travel plans.
Who are Budget Travelers?
You might think you're a budget traveler, but unless you're willing to sacrifice many comforts, expect to spend a lot more than the average of $97 per day that backpackers typically manage.
Younger budget travelers sometimes stick to a shoestring budget, which usually means staying in hostel dorms, eating at budget restaurants or fast food, relying on public transportation or walking, and limiting activities to free attractions.
Fortunately, Glasgow features plenty of hostels, including Glasgow Youth Hostel and Revolver Hotel. At hostels like these, you can find cheap dorm beds and a vibrant social atmosphere, though amenities are often scarce. The city features a strong public transit system that helps budget travelers bypass expensive taxi or rideshare expenses.
Could You Be an Average Traveler?
If you're a family or couple enjoying a vacation, you'll most likely want to stay in a mid-range hotel, eat at trendy restaurants, and check out the main museums and attractions that charge for entry. A trip to Glasgow wouldn't be complete without visiting its major attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. Keep in mind that most activities have costs associated with them. Hence, you should realistically expect your daily budget to hover around $223 per person, per day.
In Glasgow, you'll find a broad range of hotels and vacation rentals. If traveling with companions, you can share accommodations with a partner, friend, or your children, helping to cut costs. Families will want to look for hotels and restaurants that are kid-friendly. Grasshopper Hotel Glasgow is a fantastic option for families, and One Devonshire Gardens a Hotel Du Vin is also a great pick. Explore more family and couple-oriented hotels in our hotel guide for Glasgow here.
Looking to Travel in Luxury?
If you're looking for a high-end escape with every amenity and high-quality service, be prepared for daily expenses around $479. Staying in upscale hotels, enjoying meals at award-winning restaurants, indulging in lavish excursions, and utilizing taxis or private drivers in the city will entail a more premium price tag. Many luxury travelers also enjoy unique experiences such as Oban and the West Highlands Day Trip from Glasgow - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Glasgow
In Glasgow, the price of hotels can really surprise you. Some are much more expensive, offering higher luxury and amenities. Peak season rates soar, with off-season averages around $100 and peak summer season rising to an average of $187. Prices typically range from $55 to $371, but hostels remain cheaper, especially in dorms. To save money, book during the low season or take advantage of special promotions and advance deals.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Glasgow for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $181 (£148). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $90 (£74) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Glasgow? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Glasgow include:
- One Devonshire Gardens a Hotel Du Vin starting at $191
- Apex City of Glasgow starting at $105
- citizenM Glasgow starting at $88
- Carlton George Hotel starting at $127
- Rab Ha's starting at $80
Glasgow offers a great public transit system, so staying farther from the city might save you on accommodation, though the additional cost and time of commuting can add up.
By avoiding the peak summer season and traveling during the low or shoulder seasons, you will be able to save on accommodation and avoid heavy tourist crowds.
Lots of folks enjoy wandering around Glasgow, making it ideal to book a place in the heart of the city. Be aware that this may mean spending a bit more.
The city's famous old town is a significant draw for tourists. Hotels in this area may be more expensive, but they often offer a lot of charm and easy access to all the main attractions.
Transportation Budget in Glasgow
Glasgow is known for its efficient public transit system. The subway is convenient in the city center, west end, and southside. There are also buses throughout the city. Save time and money by using public transportation, with taxis and rideshares available if you need them.
If you love to explore on foot, you'll really enjoy your time here. The city center is generally walkable and can be explored on foot.
Public Transit: 
(great)
Walkability: (great)
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $34 (£27) per person, per day, on local transportation in Glasgow. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Glasgow is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$34
£27
A few of the typical hotel transfers and transportation services include:
- Glasgow Airport Transfer: Glasgow Airport GLA to Glasgow City in Luxury Van for $139 details
- Private Transfer from Glasgow to Edinburgh for $208 details
- Glasgow Private Transfer from Glasgow city centre to Glasgow (GLA) Airport for $61 details
How much does it cost to go to Glasgow? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Glasgow will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Glasgow
While the food in Glasgow is nice, there are usually other things that bring in visitors. However, you can find some great places around the city. The city's food scene continues to grow and innovate. You'll find plenty of seafood options as well as international cuisine and everything from fine dining to local cafes.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Glasgow can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Glasgow is $95 (£78) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$95
£78
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Glasgow is around $98 (£78) per person, with previous travelers spending from $42 to $203. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Glasgow are as follows:
- Breakfast: $10 to $29
- Lunch: $15 to $39
- Dinner: $29 to $68
- Coffee: $8
- Fast Food or Street Food: $15
Food in Glasgow is very good. The city has won the title as "Curry Capital of Britain" for two years. It has a diversity of restaurants that include Indian, local, and international. If you're on a budget but then there are plenty of takeaway options. Indian, pizza, kebabs, fish and chips, and burgers are all good options. Some takeaway restaurants offer a unique mix of flavors such as chips with curry sauce or doner kebab pizza. Fish and Chips is a local favorite and you can easily find this option almost anywhere. You should definitely try Indian food while you're in Glasgow. In the past you would find most of the city's Indian restaurants in the Charing Cross area, just past the main part of Sauchiehall Street, but recently the Merchant City has added many options as well.
Many hotels include breakfast in their pricing structure, while some charge additional fees for it. The quality and cost can vary significantly by hotel. Knowing this in advance can help you decide whether to allocate more money. It might be worth paying for the delicious hotel buffet, or you could go to a local bakery or cafe that's less expensive.
Fill up a water bottle rather than buying drinks every chance you get. It's also kinder to the earth.
While planning your tour, it's essential to know which meals are included. You may find yourself paying for some meals, which can add to your travel budget.
If you want to experience the culture in Glasgow, a food tour or cooking class is a great way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:
- Glasgow Walking Food Tour with EatWalk Tours for $116 details
Food and meal prices in Glasgow, based on real travelers' reported expenses, are shown below. These typical costs can give you a sense of the overall price range for meals. However, your individual expenses might be different depending on your dining habits, restaurant choices, and specific orders.
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Glasgow
The reason people visit Glasgow is clear, as it offers nightlife, music, museums and attractions, and food.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Glasgow typically cost an average of $27 (£22) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$27
£22
Popular architectural sights around the city include Glasgow Cathedral, the City Chambers, Glasgow Cross, St Enoch Subway Station, Glasgow Central Station, Willow Tea Rooms, Glasgow School of Art and Mitchell Library, among many other sights.
Interesting museums and galleries around town include the Burrell Collection, the Gallery of Modern Art, the Glasgow Police Museum, the Glasgow Science Centre, Hunterian Museum and Art Gallery, and Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum.
Popular parks are Bellahouston Park, the Botanical Gardens, Glasgow Green, Kelvingrove Park, Mugdock Park, Queen's Park and Victoria Park.
Glasgow offers plenty of things to see and do for visitors, as it's such a large and dynamic city. For more information, check out this offbeat guide of things to do in Glasgow.
Don't pass up Glasgow's music scene which offers the opportunity to see many up and coming bands and attend some well respected music festivals. There are also many opportunities to experience the art and theater scene in this cultural city.
Museums and Attractions:
People flock to Glasgow for its renowned museums and famous landmarks. The city is rich in culture and offers many fascinating sights including the Glasgow Cathedral, Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, and the Necropolis.
Music:
In Glasgow, you'll find a popular music scene that brings people together. Known to some as "the city of music", you'll find a wide range of music venues, live shows, festivals, and even a great underground music scene.
A nice way to explore destinations in Glasgow is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Glasgow Pub & History Tour with ScotBeer Tours for $49 details
- Loch Lomond National Park Tour starting Glasgow for $67 details
- Private Bike Tour in Highlights & Hidden Gems for $225 details
Outlined below are some typical prices for entry fees and activities in Glasgow. They have been reported from the expenses of previous travelers. These costs provide an idea of what you might need to spend, though your individual expenses will depend on the activities you participate in, the places you visit, and how often you choose budget-friendly or free activities.
Nightlife Budget in Glasgow
The nightlife in Glasgow is top-notch, making it a must-visit destination for partygoers from around the world. The city has some of the best nightlife in the entire country. There are clubs, bars, techno warehouses and more. Some of the best clubs include Sub Club, The Berkeley Suite, and The Garage.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $18 (£15) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Glasgow per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$18
£15
Exploring the nightlife is often a fun part of any trip, but skipping a few drinks can make a big impact on your overall travel cost.
While enjoying a night out, remember to stay alert. If you're drinking, you might become an easy target for thieves, so it's best to stay with friends you trust.
Nightlife activities and tasting tours are popular in Glasgow. A few favorites from other travelers include:
- Electric Bike Tour of Glasgow with Distillery Visit for $199 details
- Stirling Castle, Loch Lomond Walk & Whisky Distillery Tour from Glasgow for $81 details
- Scottish Whisky Distillery Tour for $205 details
Here are some typical drink and nightlife prices in Glasgow, drawn from the experiences of past travelers. These costs can give you a general sense of what to expect, though your own spending will differ based on how often you enjoy alcoholic beverages and how much you consume. Remember, one of the most effective ways to reduce your travel costs is to limit alcohol consumption.
-
Bottle of Wine
£12
-
Ciders at Kilted Skirlie
£3.50
Travel cost data last updated: Nov 26, 2024
Traveling in Glasgow
Kelvingrove Museum and Glasgow University, Scotland
Glasgow is the biggest city in Scotland with a population of about 600,000 and more than 2 million in the surrounding areas. It is located on the edge of River Clyde and has long been acclaimed as Scotland's main industrial city. It remains a major economic center for the United Kingdom outside of London. In recent years it has also been awarded the European titles as both the City of Culture as well as the City of Architecture and Design.
It's grown in popularity among tourists and is currently one of the most frequently visited cities in the British Isles. There are many museums, wonderful shopping, and easy access to the Highlands.
Glasgow's climate is considered oceanic and it is on of Scotland's milder cities because of the influence of the Gulf Stream. There are less obvious seasons in Glasgow but winters are cool and cloudy, spring is mild and pleasant, summer is relatively cool and damp and fall remains pleasant in temperature. Winter temperatures average about 5 degrees Celsius although it is not uncommon for it to drop below freezing. Snow may occur, but it usually doesn't last long. The highs during the summer average around 20 degrees Celsius and it is usually quite wet.
Neighborhoods & Around
As a tourist, central Glasgow is where you'll likely spend most of your time. There are two main areas that you'll be interested in. The City Centre is where you'll find most of the tourist attractions as well as some of the city's best shopping and entertainment. This is also the commercial heart of the city. The West End is the bohemian area of town. This is where you'll find some interesting restaurants, cafes and bars. Most of these are concentrated around the University of Glasgow and the Kelvingrove Museum. If you want to enjoy a nice view of the city then head to the "drumlins" or hills.
Outside of the City Centre, the East End is near Gallowgate and London Road. The South Side is to the south of the River Clyde and the North Side is to the north of the central part of town. Also of interest is the area along the banks of the River Clyde that is west of the City Centre. This is an old industrial area that is being revitalized and now has the Clyde Auditorium, the Science Centre and the Riverside Museum.
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We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.